FAQs Nacro justice services

What support does Nacro provide to people leaving prison?

Nacro provides support in prison and after release. This includes Through the Gate services, short-term housing through our CAS-2 (Community Accommodation Service Tier 2), and longer-term supported housing. We also run group sessions for people on probation to improve wellbeing, as well as offering advice services to help with personal finances and debt and accessing accommodation. Our Criminal Record Support helpline offers advice and guidance on criminal records. Our services are available across England and Wales.

Does Nacro support people in prison?

Yes. We deliver a range of specialist services in prison, including interventions that help people with resettlement before and after release. We support people pre- release through our Personal Wellbeing and Accommodation Advice services. The Departure Lounge outside HMP Doncaster is our Through The Gate service that provides people with essential items and helps them organise key appointments immediately after release.

Does Nacro provide housing for people leaving prison, who are on probation?

Our Community Accommodation Service Tier 2 (CAS-2) provides suitable, short-term accommodation for those who would otherwise be held in prison or would be released homeless. Referrals can only be made by HMPPS staff. We are not able to accept self-referrals or referrals by friends, family and non-HMPPS staff. If you have any questions about CAS-2 or you are a HMPPS member of staff who needs support with a referral please contact us by emailing referrals@nacrocas2.org.uk or calling 0300 555 0264.

Our Accommodation Advice service, part of the Ministry of Justice-funded Commissioned Rehabilitation Services, supports people to sustain their current accommodation or find new accommodation to prevent homelessness, and operates across the East Midlands, West Midlands, and North Wales in partnership with local organisations. Referrals can be made by probation staff only.

How can Nacro support people who are leaving prison with debt?

Nacro provides finance, benefit, and debt advice services to adults under probation supervision in Northamptonshire and Hertfordshire. This service is grant-funded by the Ministry of Justice, aligned to the wider Commissioned Rehabilitation Services that deliver rehabilitation and resettlement interventions and services across England and Wales. We help people access benefits and entitlements, agree debt repayment plans, obtain ID, improve their financial literacy, and more. Referrals can be made by probation staff only.

What’s the difference between CAS-2 and Nacro’s other housing support?

Nacro’s CAS-2 is short-term, Ministry of Justice-funded accommodation for people without a suitable address for those who would otherwise be held in prison or would be released homeless. Nacro’s Step Forward service provides longer-term accommodation for people leaving prison, facing homelessness, with mental health issues, substance misuse, or who are at risk of domestic abuse. We run a range of supported housing and floating support services across England and Wales, working in partnership with the people we support and external agencies, enabling people to progress towards independence. Our services range from intensive and high need through to low-level support.

Does Nacro offer support groups for people on probation?

Yes. Our Personal Wellbeing Group operates in Hertfordshire, Suffolk, and Northamptonshire, supporting people leaving prison or on community orders with emotional wellbeing, personal development, social inclusion, and family relationships. This service is part of the Ministry of Justice’s wider Commissioned Rehabilitation Services that deliver rehabilitation and resettlement interventions and services across England and Wales. It is delivered in partnership with Ormiston Families and Pact. Referrals can be made by probation staff only.

Does Nacro help people with mental health needs who are leaving prison?

Yes. We provide wellbeing groups in Hertfordshire, Suffolk, and Northamptonshire. Our Intensive Health Resettlement Service in London also support people being released from prison who have a clinical diagnosis of a mental health condition or who are on certain prescribed medications. The service helps with their resettlement, whether that’s housing, benefits, healthcare, or building a support network. Referrals are submitted via NHS System1 by staff working in prison healthcare.

Does Nacro help people with a criminal record get a job?

Yes. Our Criminal Record Support Service helps people understand and overcome the barriers a criminal record can create in employment, education, and everyday life — before, during, and after contact with the justice system. Email helpline@nacro.org.uk or call 0300 123 1999. The usual service is available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 5pm, and on Wednesdays from 9pm to 1pm. We offer advice and guidance for both individuals with criminal records and employers who who are working with individuals that have a criminal record, find out more about what we offer here.

How can I refer someone to Nacro’s services for people leaving prison?

Referrals to CAS-2 can only be made by HMPPS staff. To make a referral to Step Forward, contact your local authority. For advice on criminal records, email helpline@nacro.org.uk or call 0300 123 1999 – no referral is needed.

Which areas of England and Wales does Nacro’s justice services cover?

Nacro delivers justice services across England and Wales, both in prison and to those being supervised in the community. Use our service finder to see what support is available in your area.

I’ve come out of prison, how do I access support from Nacro?

To access support with Nacro, speak to your probation officer first and they should be able to help you find the right service. You can also use the service finder on our website. Depending on where you are, we can offer support with housing, wellbeing, finance, employment, and more. You can contact our Criminal Record Support Helpline on 0300 123 1999 if you have a question about your criminal record.

Is Nacro’s support free?

Yes, Nacro’s support for people in prison or on probation is free. Email helpline@nacro.org.uk or call 0300 123 1999 to find out how Nacro can help with criminal record-related issues, use our service finder, or speak to your probation officer.

Can I volunteer or find a job with Nacro’s criminal justice services?

Yes. Nacro recruits staff and volunteers across our justice services, from prison-based roles to community support. Visit our Careers or Volunteering pages to see current opportunities.